Faculty Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act

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Compliance with the (ADA) is a shared responsibility, and faculty members play an important role in Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ's efforts. The ADA is a civil rights statute, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.  As a faculty member, it is important to understand and fulfill responsibilities regarding the ADA. This page provides a general overview of responsibilities related to the ADA.

Awareness and Sensitivity

  • Familiarize yourself with the ADA  and guidelines relevant to higher education.
  • Cultivate an understanding of the  of students with disabilities and develop sensitivity towards barriers and challenges.
  • Recognize that disability can take various forms, including physical, sensory, learning, and mental health disabilities.

Accommodations and Accessibility

  • Create to comply with the ADA and best practices.  All students benefit from accessible course materials.
  • Ensure that all course materials, including syllabi, readings, presentations, and online resources, are accessible to students with disabilities.  Use the CTLD sample syllabus which is accessible and promotes best practices.
  • Use Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ’s LMS (Blackboard) in all courses to provide students with accessible course materials. is available to all faculty and offers guidance in making sure text course materials are accessible.
  • Use accessible technologies and consider universal design principles when creating course content.
  • Familiarize yourself with Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ’s accommodations process (student provides an accommodation letter each semester). Accommodations ensure that when students are evaluated, students are demonstrating what they learned rather than impacted by the effects of a disability. Work collaboratively with the and be prepared to approved accommodations promptly and effectively.

Confidentiality

  • Respect and maintain the confidentiality of students' disability-related information. Be mindful of privacy concerns when communicating with students about their accommodations or disabilities.

Inclusive Teaching Practices

  • Incorporate inclusive teaching strategies to engage all students, including those with disabilities.  Contact the Center for Teaching & Learning Design (CTLD) for access to the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ Toolkit for Inclusive Learning & Teaching (STILT) offering resources to support inclusive teaching.
  • Use multiple instructional methods, provide clear instructions, and offer opportunities for student participation and feedback.
  • Encourage a supportive and respectful classroom environment that values diversity and fosters inclusivity.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Maintain open and effective communication with students regarding their accommodations and needs.
  • Collaborate with professionals to address any concerns or questions related to accommodations.
  • Seek professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills related to disability inclusion in the classroom.

Accessibility in Physical Spaces

  • Ensure that physical spaces, such as classrooms, labs, and offices, are accessible to students with mobility impairments.

Remember, fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility. By fulfilling ADA responsibilities, faculty contribute to the success and well-being of Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ students.

For assistance with pedagogical issues related to accessible course design, contact the Center for Teaching & Learning Design (CTLD) at ctld@stockton.edu.  For information about student accommodations, contact the Learning Access Program at lap@stockton.edu.